Welcome to StanLink2Care

IHSS Caregivers Needed

Find out more - Registry Caregiver Flyer [PDF]


Please click here to see a video on how to become an IHSS provider.


ELECTRONIC VISIT VERIFICATION


What is Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)?

EVV is a federal law that requires the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to electronically collect information about services performed by IHSS care providers. The information collected includes when and where IHSS services are performed. In addition to reporting the hours worked, when an IHSS time card is submitted, providers will be required to include the following new information on their electronic or Telephone timesheets:


  • Start Time – The time an IHSS provider performed the first IHSS/WPCS service for the day
  • End Time – The time an IHSS provider performed the last IHSS/WPCS service for the day
  • Location – Where the services were performed that day – in the IHSS recipient’s home, in the community (anywhere other than a recipient’s home), or both.

CDSS provides more information regarding EVV through mailers and is now hosting webinars for recipients and providers. For more information, please follow these links:
EVV Webcasts
EVV Training and Webinars

What does EVV mean for IHSS Recipients?

EVV will not change the amount of service hours you receive or how those services are performed.
EVV requirements will eliminate the current paper timesheet process. IHSS recipients will be required to approve their provider’s timesheets in a different way. There are two options to approve timesheets: online or by telephone.

  • You can use the Electronic Services Portal (ESP) at www.etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov to create an account to approve time online. The ESP online website can be used with any device that accesses the internet, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers. On the ESP website you can approve IHSS/WPCS timesheets electronically: it’s fast and easy!
  • If you do not have access to the internet you can approve timesheets using the Telephone Timesheet System (TTS). This is an automated telephone system that allows you to approve your provider’s IHSS/WPCS timesheets using a land-line or mobile telephone.

If you already use the ESP or TTS to approve your provider’s timesheets, nothing will change for you. You are all set and no new enrollment is required!


What does EVV mean for IHSS Providers?

Paper timesheets will no longer be available. EVV requirements will eliminate the current paper timesheet process and effective July 1, 2020, all IHSS providers in Stanislaus County will be required to submit timesheets electronically. IHSS providers have two options to submit timesheets: online or by telephone.


  • You can use the Electronic Services Portal (ESP) at www.etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov. The ESP is an online website you can use with any device that accesses the internet, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers. On the ESP website you can submit IHSS/WPCS timesheets electronically; it’s fast and easy!
  • If you do not have access to the internet you can submit your timesheets using the Telephone Timesheet System (TTS). TTS is an automated telephone system that allows you to complete your timesheet using a land-line or mobile telephone.

Electronic Timesheet System and Telephone Timesheet System


The California Department of Social Services has started two new options that allows In-Home Supportive Services providers in all California counties to submit their timesheets online through the Electronic Timesheet System (ETS), or by telephone through the Telephone Timesheet System (TTS). The Electronic Timesheet System allows a provider to submit their IHSS/WPCS timesheets online using a tablet, smartphone, laptop or computer instead of receiving and submitting paper timesheets when their recipient(s) approve timesheets online. This service also allows a provider’s timesheets to be reviewed and approved by their recipient(s) using their tablet, smartphone, laptop or computer. IHSS recipients and providers who do not internet access or who are visually impaired can submit and approve timesheets using the Telephone Timesheet System.

Submitting and Approving Timesheets Online or by Telephone

Using the Electronic Services Portal (ESP) to fill out and approve timesheets reduces the wait time between mailing a timesheet at the end of a pay period and when the check is delivered. The Telephone Timesheet System (TTS) allows blind and visually impaired persons, or persons with no internet access, the ability to approve timesheets over the phone. Use of the ESP or TTS to submit and approve timesheets will be mandatory starting July 1, 2020 The ESP is accessible by smartphone, laptop, tablet, or computer. All you need is internet access and an e-mail account.

Where is my Timesheet or Paycheck?

Are you wondering if your timesheet was received and processed? Do you want to know if your payment has been issued? The IHSS recipient and provider call center will no longer provide timesheet or paycheck status. This information can be viewed 24 hours a day, online on the Electronic Services Portal (ESP).
Lost your timesheet? Need to claim supplemental hours? The IHSS office will no longer accept requests for replacement or supplemental paper timesheets. Timesheets can be requested 24 hours a day, online on the ESP.
IHSS providers and recipients can now access the California Department of Social Services’ Electronic Services Portal to get real-time timesheet and payment status information. Using the ESP reduces the wait time between mailing a timesheet at the end of a pay period and when your check is delivered. Here are some of the benefits of using the ESP:

  • You can view your timesheet and payment status at your convenience, any time of day
  • You can enter and submit your timesheet at your convenience, any time of day
  • You no longer need to wait for and mail out paper timesheets
  • You can request additional timesheets whenever you need them
  • You can claim your sick leave and travel time online
  • You can enroll in direct deposit
  • You GET PAID FASTER

REGISTRATION

If you need assistance with the ESP, please contact the Electronic Timesheet Help Desk at 1-866-376-7066 (select option 4).

Registering on the Electronic Services Portal (ESP)

To begin receiving Electronic Timesheets, you must sign up on the ESP.
To get started using the ESP, you need to have the following:

  • A valid email address
  • Access to the internet
  • A smart phone, tablet, laptop, or computer

If you need assistance with the ESP, please contact the Electronic Timesheet Help Desk at 1-866-376-7066 (select option 4).

Register Today >> Register Now >> Register Here www.etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov

Go to the ESP Portal to set up an account by selecting the “New User Registration” link, and follow the online prompts. Want to know more? Visit the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) website to watch videos about the ETS before you decide or review the documents below:


Free Online ESP Training

Visit the CDSS website and enroll in a class today! Classes are offered in English and Spanish.
Filling out and approving timesheets on the ESP reduces some of the most common errors that stop a timesheet from being paid:

  • Missing recipient or provider signatures
  • Unreadable writing
  • Postal service problems (destroyed or lost mail, or delays in delivery)

Violation Prevention - using the ESP alerts providers if the hours claimed will cause a violation, which allows the provider to correct the issue or discuss it with county staff before the timesheet is approved by the recipient.

Having Problems Using the ESP?

Contact the ESP Help Desk at 1-866-376-7066 (Option 4) if you are having problems with the ETS, such as:

  • Connectivity, Navigation and System Performance
  • Password Resets
  • Registration and Enrolling for timesheets
  • Filling out or approving timesheets
  • General Questions about the ETS

Contact your assigned IHSS Social Worker/Social Services Assistant or your local IHSS office at (209) 558-2637 if you have questions about:

  • Authorized hours
  • No available hours to pay
  • Rejected timesheets due to errors (claiming over 70%)
  • Ineligibility issues

Registering for the Telephone Timesheet System (TTS)


The Telephone Timesheet System (TTS) is another option available to recipients that may not have internet access, or who are blind or have visual impairments that make reviewing and signing a timesheet difficult. When a recipient signs up for the TTS, their provider(s) can also opt to use the TTS. Or, a provider may use the ESP even if the recipient opts to use the TTS.

Recipients can self-register for the TTS by using the 6-digit State Registration Code. If you do not have your registration code, you can call the TTS help desk at 1-833-342-5388 or you can call your IHSS Social Worker for assistance. To enroll, IHSS recipients will choose a Recipient Authentication Number (RAN) which is similar to a PIN.
When a provider submits a timesheet on the ESP or the TTS, the provider’s recipient will be called by the TTS to verify the hours claimed on the timesheet and to approve payment.

Important Facts to Know About the TTS:

  • The TTS will attempt to call the recipient between the hours for 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.
  • Calls are made every 2 hours, up to 5 calls per day. If the TTS reaches voicemail, a message will be left and calls will be stopped for the day.
  • If the recipient's phone number is disconnected or the recipient has not answered or called in on their own, the Stanislaus County IHSS office will be notified.
  • If the recipient forgets their RAN or makes three attempts to enter an incorrect RAN, the TTS will lock the recipient out and they will need to call their social worker to change the RAN.
  • If a timesheet is not approved, the provider will not be paid.

TTS Assistance Line Support

The TTS makes automated calls to recipients for timesheet approvals from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Recipients can call on their own to approve any submitted timesheets from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday. Calls made to the TTS outside of the hours listed will not be processed by the system or by an Assistance Line representative, and recipients will have to call back during hours of operation.
Live representatives are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
The Assistance Line phone number is 1-844-576-5445.
For more information, please call your social worker or social services assistance or the Stanislaus County IHSS Offices at (209) 558-2637.

mission and vision

Featured Information

Working Together: Branches of IHSS in Stanislaus County

Navigating the many programs offered by Stanislaus County can be overwhelming, and understanding how they all work together can be confusing.

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program falls under the larger umbrella of The Community Services Agency. Community Services Agency has many familiar programs, such as Food Stamps, Adoptions, and Medi-Cal.

The Adult, Child, and Family Services division of CSA oversees Adult Protective Services and In-Home Supportive Services.

The IHSS Advisory Committee, formed December of 2000, is comprised of Recipients and Providers directly involved with the IHSS program. As Consumers, they advise the Board of Supervisors regarding the direction of the program and the levels of service they would like to see provided.

The Public Authority works closely with the IHSS program staff and the IHSS Advisory Committee to provide training and support for Providers, resulting in better care for Recipients.

Both CSA and the Public Authority report directly to the Board of Supervisors, and both take advice from the IHSS Advisory Committee.

By partnering together, the Advisory Committee and County staff are able to continually improve working conditions for Providers and increase access to care for the elderly and dependent adults of our community.

County Staff: Your supportive partners

IHSS Social Workers are the main contact for the IHSS Recipients. They visit the Recipients in their homes and determine the number of authorized hours for each task the Recipient needs.

IHSS Social Services Assistants are the main contact for the IHSS Providers. They help answer questions about timecards, hire packets, paychecks and other provider issues.

The Budget

Link2Care the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority of Stanislaus County receives its funding from a mix of Federal, State and County dollars. The Administration budget unit covers staff costs, rents, equipment, services and supplies. The linked document is the current information for both budget units.

We normally have three budget updates each year. In June the Proposed Budget is adopted by the Board of Supervisors, in September the Final Budget is approved and February or March the Mid-Year Budget is approved. Adjustments to Link2Care's budgets occur during these timeframe's unless there is an urgent item that requires the Board of Supervisors approval.

Public Authority Budget

Find Out About...

Wages and Benefits

As of May 1, 2023, In-Home Supportive Services Providers in Stanislaus County make $16.75 per hour.

The Registry

The Registry functions similarly to an employment referral service. Link2Care screens potential Providers and then matches the Providers to the Recipients needs. Link2Care's Registry Specialist interviews potential Providers regarding the Providers skills and abilities to perform authorized In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) tasks. Once a match is made, the names of the potential Providers are sent to the Recipient, who then contacts the Providers to arrange for an employment interview.

Why We Conduct Fingerprinting and Background Investigations

One of our State mandates that arose out of Assembly Bill 1682 was to investigate the qualifications of potential Providers. Link2Care Registry Providers must undergo a Department of Justice background investigation and complete a Livescan (electronic fingerprint) check. If a Provider has been convicted of Elder Abuse, Child Abuse or Fraud against a government entity, State law requires an automatic ten year exclusion from being an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Provider. In 2010, Assembly Bill 1612 added Welfare & Institutions Code (W&IC) section 12305.87 which expands the list of crimes for which a conviction, or incarceration following a conviction, within the last ten years would exclude an individual from being enrolled as an IHSS provider (Disqualifying Crimes SOC 426C).

It is our duty to refer only those Providers who have undergone a thorough background check and received training to the IHSS Recipients in Stanislaus County. The links above will give you more information on background checks and fingerprinting. If you have questions please contact us via the email link below or by telephone at 558-1650.

Featured Information

Fingerprinting Procedures

Background Screening

Training for Caregivers

Social Services Assistants

Questions or comments may be sent to StanLink2Care

Employment — Information for Potential Providers

The Provider Registry is a referral service for IHSS Recipients. In Stanislaus County, as of January 1, 2024, the rate of pay for IHSS Providers is $17.25 per hour.

If you already have a friend or family member who has requested that you work for them, you can call In-Home Supportive Services directly at 558-2637 to find out how to be a Provider for them. If you do not already know someone on the IHSS program, the Link2Care Registry can refer you to Recipients needing help in their home.

The Registry functions similarly to an employment referral service. Link2Care refers Registry Providers to IHSS Recipients who need help and do not have a Provider. Registry Providers complete an application that indicates their work availability, where they are able to work and any specific skills they have (language skills, degrees or other experience). All Registry Providers are required to perform all authorized IHSS tasks as a condition of being listed on the Registry. Link2Care then matches the Registry Provider to an IHSS Recipient needing assistance. Once a match is made, the names of the potential Providers are sent to the Recipient, who then contacts the Providers to arrange an employment interview.

After applying to be a Registry Provider, the applicant must complete the mandatory State Orientation, which includes fingerprinting, and background check; to schedule and appointment for the State Orientation call 558-2637.

In order to be listed on the Link2Care Registry, Providers must be willing to meet the five following requirements:

  1. be willing to work in one of the under served areas of the County (Oakdale, Patterson, or Newman);
  2. be willing to work weekends and holidays;
  3. be willing to do all personal care (dressing, bathing, bowel and bladder care, etc.) for both men and women;
  4. pay for all costs associated with completing the background check and attend the mandatory State IHSS Provider Orientation prior to applying to be a Registry Provider;

Our Registry Specialist interviews potential Providers regarding the Providers skills and abilities to perform authorized IHSS tasks. The Provider completes the application in our office and then, once they complete the training class, they are put on the Registry and Link2Care begins to refer them to IHSS Recipients.

It is important to remember that IHSS Recipients are the employers; they have the ability to hire, fire and determine working hours for Providers.

As a Provider treat the interview as a job interview: show up at the agreed time, be respectful, do not wear excessive perfume and wear appropriate clothing. Remember, as an IHSS Provider you will be working in the Recipient's home. They will want things done a certain way, just as you would if someone came to your house. If you have a concern about how the Recipient wants you to perform a task, talk to the Recipient; they may have a very good reason. If you have questions about a task the Recipient wants you to perform, contact Link2Care, your Social Services Assistant or Social Worker.

If you are an IHSS Recipient and need a Provider please contact your IHSS Social Worker, IHSS Social Services Assistant, or Link2Care who will refer Providers to you. If you do not know who your Social Worker is, please call 558-2637 and they will help you.

The Providers that Link2Care refers have undergone a Department of Justice Background Check and Live Scan (electronic fingerprinting) check. Providers who have been convicted of child or adult abuse or fraud against a government healthcare entity (including IHSS fraud) are automatically excluded for ten years. There are Additional Exclusions that would disqualify an individual from becoming an IHSS Provider

Applying for IHSS

Community Services Agency's IHSS Services

Hiring a Provider

IHSS Recipient/Consumer Education Videos

Hiring a Provider from IHSS

Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse Information

Registry/Employment

You must attend a IHSS Orientation class. Call 558-1650 to register for this orientation. Once you have completed the IHSS Provider Orientation Class and all requirements, you may then apply to be a provider. Call 558-1650 to find out when the next Registry Training Class is scheduled.

The Provider Registry is a referral service for IHSS Recipients. In Stanislaus County, as of January 1, 2024, the rate of pay for IHSS Providers is $17.25 per hour.

Once approved, your name will be placed in the Registry Database. This database is used to match Recipients with Providers. For example, if a Recipient lives in Patterson and needs assistance with bathing, we search the database for Providers willing to work in Patterson and assist with bathing. When a list of Providers is found, we send a letter to the Recipient with the names of three Providers that match their criteria.

All active Registry Providers must meet a certain set of standards before we will refer them for work. If you have been inactive for any length of time, please call us at 558-1650 to see if you meet the new requirements or if you will need to update your training or other information before we can refer you.

Yes. Even though you have experience with IHSS recipients, we require that all Registry Providers attend the Caregiver Training. This training includes information on personal care, safety, nutrition, and other important issues relating to care giving. Recipients all have different needs, and we assure them that our Providers have been trained. Previous experience is helpful, but the training is still required.

You are still required to complete the Training classes.

You are still required to complete the IHSS Provider Orientation and Training classes.

If you were previously fingerprinted for another agency (for example, Modesto City Schools, another employer, etc.) the Department of Justice will not release results to us. You must be fingerprinted again.

However, if you were fingerprinted as part of the IHSS Provider orientation process, you may not need to be fingerprinted again. When you can, let us know if you have been printed for the IHSS program in the past. We will check to see if you are required to do this again, and provide you with the proper paperwork if necessary.

Some Additional offenses can prevent you working in the IHSS Program for a certain length of time.

Minor offenses will not prevent you from being on the registry, but you must disclose these offenses during your application process. If a Recipient requests information regarding your background check, we will release this information to them if you are their Provider (or are being considered for employment with them).

The IHSS Recipients are responsible for hiring and firing their own Providers. Link2Care cannot guarantee that a Recipient will hire you, or that they will have enough hours to qualify as "full time". However, we are in need of Providers, and those that have flexible schedules and are willing to work in outlying areas or are bilingual typically find that they are employed quickly.

If you already know who you will work for, you do not need to apply to be a Registry Provider. The registry is for Providers who will be referred to Recipients they do not know. Simply contact the Recipient's Social Worker to find out if you need to complete the new provider orientation class.

Current IHSS Registry Providers

Once a Recipient hires you, please call our office at 558-1650 to report that a match has been made. A Registry Specialist will then review the information of the case with you, and refer you to the appropriate IHSS Supportive Services Assistant to get your hire packet and timecards.

Link2Care sends letters to the Recipients with the names of three eligible Providers. It is up to the Recipient to call the names on the list and set up an interview. Some Recipients are very good about calling all the Providers on the list, but others call only one or two, or none at all. Link2Care calls to let you know that we are matching you with Recipients, but we cannot control the length of time it will take to hear from a Recipient, or whether the Recipient will contact you at all.

Remember, the phone number you have given us to report to the Recipient is now a business phone. If a Recipient calls and cannot understand the message, they may not leave a request for you to interview. Leaving "funny" messages, music, or other unclear messages may result in confusion for the Recipient. A clear, easily understood message will help the Recipient when contacting you.

Please contact us at 558-1650 each month if you have not heard from us recently. As long as we have contact with you monthly, we will keep you active on the Registry until you request to go inactive. Even if you are referred to a Recipient, you will remain active on the registry and continue to be matched with Recipients until you request not to. If you do not contact us on a monthly basis you will be placed on inactive status.

The Registry is run as fairly as possible, giving each Provider a chance to be employed by a Recipient that matches his or her criteria. Referrals are made based on different criteria, such as tasks required, location, and hours. If you are one of three Providers that match the needs of two different Recipients, your name will be sent to both of those Recipients on the same day.

StanLink2Care — Public Authority
3500 Coffee Rd Suite 19
Modesto, CA 95355
(209) 558-1650

Directions

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Directions From CA-99

  1. Exit 230 Beckwith Road/Standiford Avenue
  2. East on to Standiford Avenue
  3. As Standiford Avenue crosses McHenry Avenue (CA 108) the name changes to Sylvan Avenue
  4. Continue on Sylvan Avenue until Coffee Road, approximately 4.4 miles from CA-99
  5. The Sylvan Square Shopping Center is on the Left. The office is located on the East end of the parking lot, behind Marie Callender's Restaurant.